HIGH NOTES: MYSO performs Russian classics

Published: Friday, March 8, 2013 5:00 a.m. CDT

ROMEOVILLE— The Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra will present an all-Russian program at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 17. in the Fine Arts Auditorium at Joliet Junior College. Tickets are $7 and may be purchased at the door.

A second performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. March 20 at in the Philip Lynch Theatre on the Romeoville campus of Lewis University. This concert is open to the public and is free.

Dr. Lawrence Sisk, professor of music at Lewis University, will conduct the orchestra in a program that includes Tchaikovsky’s magnificent Violin Concerto and the Spanish Capriccio of Rimsky-Korsakov. Sisk, who has served as Music Director of MYSO since 1991, is widely recognized as a conductor of Russian music.

Dr. Casey McGrath, an alumna of MYSO, and now violin instructor at both Lewis University and Joliet Junior College, will appear as soloist in the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. McGrath received her master’s degree in violin performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and earned her doctorate at the University of Illinois.

Founded in 1959, the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra has resided in Will County since 1991.
Players in MYSO come from Lewis University and Joliet Junior College, and from area high schools and middle schools.

MYSO rehearses every Wednesday evening that school is in session from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Lewis University.

Check the orchestra’s website atwww.mysomusic.org for more information.

Minooka High School to present ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying!’

MINOOKA — Minooka Community High School proudly presents the Frank Loesser musical “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying!” at 7 p.m. March 14, 15,and 16 in the MCHS - Central Campus Performing Arts Center.

Tickets, which cost $8 per adult and $6 per student/senior citizen, can be purchased online at www.showtix4u.com (search “Minooka”).

Please note that the March 14 show features open seating, and that March 15 and 16 shows feature reserved seating.

Tickets will also be available at the door on the evening of each performance. Doors open at 6 p.m. on the evening of each performance.

“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying!” is a story about the triumph of the common man. The hero is a window washer named J. Pierrepont Finch. After Finch happens upon a book entitled “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” he decides to begin his rise up the corporate ladder.

Following the instructions of the book, Finch lands a job in the mailroom at the World Wide Wicket Company. With the help of his handy book, Finch quickly gains promotions and outsmarts his rival, Frump - who also happens to be the boss’s nephew. Finch then gains the love of Rosemary, a secretary at the company.

In the end, however, after Finch’s ad campaign goes awry, the book can no longer help him. He is forced to rely on his own wits and performs so admirably that he is promoted to Chairman of the Board.

Mrs. Glenda Smith is the production’s director, and Mrs. Patricia Grawey-Beeler is the production’s choreographer.

Morris Library offers Vintage Craft Series

Are you looking for a great centerpiece or something to add a splash of color to any room?

The Morris Area Public Library’s Vintage Craft program will be offered at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 14.

The event offers the opportunity for people to learn how to make vintage paper roses.

Registration is required, so reserve a spot by calling (815) 942-6880 or stop by the library.

The Morris Area Public Library is located at 604 Liberty St. in Morris.